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Still too cool and too dry in Wisconsin

Cool and dry are still the description used for the growing season in Wisconsin. The weekly crop progress report from the National Ag Statistics Service Wisconsin Field Office shows temperatures were still 1 to 6 degrees below normal last week and that little bit of rain was nowhere close to what is needed. Statewide soil moisture levels are listed as 4% surplus, 40% adequate, 35% short and 21% very short. The northern tier of districts are all very dry. Eau Claire is now 7.1 inches below normal precipitation; La Crosse is 4.26 inches short while Madison is 4.48 inches above normal.

The Badger State corn crop is 52% silked, a 31-point improvement over last week but still 17% behind the five-year average. The corn crop is rated 30% in fairy condition, 48% good to excellent. A lot of variance is being noted within fields as the lack of heat and moisture is showing up.

The soybeans are 61% blooming compared to 79% for the five-year average, 21% have set pods, less than half the 45% normal for this date. Beans are rated 35% fair, 50% good to excellent. Soybeans on lighter soils are showing extra stress.

Winter wheat is 23% combined, 40 points behind the five-year average, growers are waiting for the crop to dry down. Oats is 13% combined, should be 42% in the bin by now. Both crops are rated more than 60% in good to excellent shape.

About the only thing on schedule in the state is second-crop hay, 87% made compared to 86% for the five-year average.